Touring - Reccomend me a bike (mines just been stolen!)

This may be a record - i joined this forum at lunchtime and got my wheels stolen about 30 mins ago - so i was a valid forum member for about 6 hours!!

Anyway - mustn't dwell on it too much. I am touring Japan at the end of March and now need a new bike! Budget is around £300 for a second hand one. I had a 2006 Kona Dr Drew which i paid about £300 for second hand. I would dearly love the same bike but i suspect this may not be possible unless i buy new which will cost about £800. The Dew may not have been the best bike anyway so i'm open to suggestions. I will buy new if i have to as i'm not gonna let some hoody in Islington ruin my trip!! HELP!!!!!

I reckon a Kona Smoke would be a good tourer - 26' wheels and steel. Very cheap, too.

If you can find a bike co-op with a recycle program, Vince, I recommend you find an old lugged steel frame that fits you and outfit it yourself. You can save money by using select used parts and providing your own labor. Buy new gears and chain. You'll thank yourself on the road when you feel merged with your bike. If something goes wrong, you'll understand exactly what happened. I strongly recommend all tourists assemble their own bikes.

thanks but my impatience and impending trip has led mt to the new 2008 Dr Dew - its just dropped by £100 to £700 but with saddle and all the fittings i lost its over £800. But it does look beautiful!!

good luck on your tour, i'm sure the new bike will be worth every dollar (pound sterling?).

Bike Friday new world torist..find one on ebay..